Why is my Windows key and L not working?

Your issues could stem from a corrupted user profile. To verify this, create a new user account and check if the shortcut works there:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to ‘Accounts’ and select ‘Family & other users.’
3. Click on ‘Add someone else to this PC’ and follow the prompts to create a new account.
4. Log into the new account and test the Windows key + L shortcut.

If it works properly in the new account, consider transferring your files to the new profile.

Check for sticky keys or filter keys being enabled, as they can interfere with keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how to disable them:

1. Open Control Panel and select ‘Ease of Access Center.’
2. Click on ‘Make the keyboard easier to use.’
3. Ensure the ‘Turn on Sticky Keys’ and ‘Turn on Filter Keys’ options are unchecked.
4. Apply the changes and test the Windows key + L shortcut.

Disabling these settings often resolves shortcut issues caused by sticky or filter keys.

Considering recent Windows updates potentially affecting shortcut functionality, check for and install any pending updates:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security and click on Windows Update.
3. Select ‘Check for updates.’

Applying the latest patches and updates can restore functionality to built-in features like keyboard shortcuts.

You might be dealing with hardware problems with your keyboard. Test your keyboard on another device or try a different keyboard on your current setup:

1. Connect your keyboard to another Windows device and test the Windows key + L shortcut there.
2. Alternatively, connect a different keyboard to your computer and check the shortcut functionality.

If the shortcut works on another keyboard, consider replacing your current keyboard.

Malware infection could also be causing the issue. Running a deep scan with your antivirus software or Windows Defender can help:

1. Open your antivirus software or Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Select a full scan or deep scan option.
3. Let the software scan your computer and follow any instructions to remove malware.

Malware infections can sometimes lock specific functions, so scanning for and removing malware is essential.

Perform a system restore to revert your computer to a time before the issue started:

1. Press Windows key + S and type ‘Create a restore point.’
2. Click on the result and then select ‘System Restore.’
3. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point from before you encountered the problem.
4. Let your computer complete the restore process, and then test the shortcut.

A system restore can often resolve issues caused by recent system changes.

Your keyboard driver may need an update, which could be causing the issue. To update your driver, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the ‘Keyboards’ section.
3. Right-click on your keyboard device and select ‘Update driver.’
4. Choose ‘Search automatically for updated driver software.’

If there’s a newer driver available, Windows will install it, and you might need to reboot your computer. This can help resolve the shortcut issue.

There could be a registry issue that’s causing the Windows key and L combination to malfunction. Here’s how to check and fix the registry settings:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type ‘regedit’ and press Enter.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Keyboard Layout.
4. Look for the ‘Scancode Map’ entry. If it exists, delete it and restart your computer.

Modifying the registry can be risky, so follow these steps carefully. If done correctly, it could fix the problem you’re experiencing with the Windows key and L shortcut.

It’s possible that a third-party application is interfering with the shortcut. Try booting your computer in Safe Mode:

1. Press Windows key + R, type ‘msconfig,’ and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the ‘Boot’ tab.
3. Check the ‘Safe boot’ option and choose ‘Minimal.’
4. Click ‘Apply’ and restart your computer.

If the shortcut works in Safe Mode, a third-party application is likely causing the issue. You can then identify and disable the offending application by trial and error.